Lemongrass, or Cymbopogon citratus, as it is known botanically, originated in southern India and Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). This versatile herb will grow in almost any tropical or subtropical climate as long as it gets adequate water and nutrition. This herb will endure light frosts with minimum damage, but a hard freeze will wreak havoc on it.
In South Texas, as in Mexico, the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, Central and South America, it is most commonly known as zacate (de) limón. Many households have it growing in their yards or in pots. Aside from its many traditional medicinal applications, lemongrass is also used in cooking in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries of Southeast Asia. Interestingly, the Chinese do not use it in cooking like neighboring countries. I know this because a while back when I was doing some work in South China, I visited several university and government agricultural research stations where they were evaluating many types of crops. Lemongrass was considered an introduced species under evaluation and not a traditional food crop. I found that odd.
Historically, lemongrass has been used primarily for gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach ache, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, and inflammation of the stomach. Additionally, it is used as a headache remedy, for bladder infections, for coughs and flu, to soothe the nerves, and for stress. Other uses include lowering cholesterol, losing weight, reducing fevers, combating hypertension and rheumatism, and as an antibacterial wash.
Citral, one of the volatile compounds that make up the strong citrus aroma of the lemongrass, has been shown to be anti-fungal. In fact, it is more than four times as effective as Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil at inhibiting certain types of fungi, particularly athlete's foot. Lemongrass can be made into a tea and drunk several times a day and/or applied topically to affected areas.
In an animal study utilizing laboratory rats, researchers determined that lemongrass may actually help prevent colon cancer. The rats were given lemongrass extract prior to injecting them with a known carcinogen. The animals that were given lemongrass had 40-78 percent fewer incidences of cancer markers over the rats that did not receive the lemongrass. The researchers speculate that lemongrass works because of its anti-oxidant properties or because it inhibits a bacterial enzyme in the intestines that can increase the absorption of certain chemical carcinogens. Theoretically, by inhibiting the enzyme, less of the carcinogen is absorbed into the body.
You don't have to be sick to enjoy a cup or glass of lemongrass tea. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, by itself or in combination with other herbs. To brew a cup of tea, simply pour a cup of boiling water over a teaspoon of fresh or dried herb and let it steep for a few minutes before straining. Drink as is or add honey or sugar for taste and enjoy.
Zacate limón is easily grown from divisions. You can find it at local nurseries or, if you know someone with a clump of it, ask for a stalk to plant. If you try to plant a division, be sure to cut it back to about six to eight inches tall so it will root easily. Plant it directly in the ground or put it in a pot, but be sure to keep it moist and not let it dry out between waterings. Save the leaves and upper stalk for making tea by drying them in a shady spot and then store in a jar for later use.